The Best New Immersive Experience In Dublin : The Trinity College Book of Kells Experience
Possibly one of the most popular experiences in Dublin. The Trinity College Book of Kells Tour has undergone an incredible transformation. Now offering visitors a modern, immersive experience alongside the rich history of this iconic treasure. Complete with stunning light and sound installations. This tour is not just about seeing the Book of Kells but it’s about traveling back in time to explore its history and who wrote it. Located in Trinity College Dublin. This experience is also a chance to visit some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Including the world renowned Long Room in the Old Library.
The History of the book of kells...
The Book of Kells is said to be over 1,200 years old. It is one of the most incredible pieces of medieval art and one of Ireland's most treasured cultural artefacts. Below are some need to knows of the history of The Book Of Kells and where it originated.
It is believed to have originated on the remote Scottish island of Iona. Created by monks who meticulously produced its vibrant illustrations and intricate calligraphy.
In the early 9th century, due to Viking raids, the monks fled to Kells, Co. Meath, bringing the book with them.
The book primarily contains the four Gospels of the New Testament and accompanying index passages. Its exceptional craftsmanship suggests it was used for ceremonial or display purposes.
In 1647, the Kells monastery was destroyed, and the Book of Kells was brought to Dublin for safekeeping.
Since 1661, the book has been preserved and displayed at Trinity College Dublin. It remains one of the most visited cultural highlights in Ireland.
Location...
The Book of Kells Experience is located in the heart of Dublin City at Trinity College Dublin. One of Ireland’s most prestigious and historic universities. Trinity College is centrally situated, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors exploring Dublin.
How to Get There
Walking: If you’re already in the city centre, Trinity College is within walking distance of many popular landmarks. It’s located right next to Grafton Street, Dublin’s famous shopping district, and only a short stroll from Temple Bar and St. Stephen’s Green.
By Public Transport:
Bus: Dublin Bus services frequently pass through College Green, just outside Trinity College. Look for routes that stop near Dame Street or Pearse Street.
Luas: If you’re traveling by tram, the Luas Green Line stops at Dawson Street or Trinity Luas Stop, both less than a 5-minute walk away.
Train: If you’re arriving by train, the nearest stations are Pearse Station (5-minute walk) and Connolly Station (15-minute walk).
By Car: While driving in central Dublin can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking, several public car parks are located nearby, including Dawson Street Car Park and St Stephens Green Car Park.
What to Expect: The New Book of Kells Experience
The Book of Kells Tour has recently been revamped to offer an immersive, multi-sensory experience like never before. Along with the long room they have added a brand new experience taking you deeper into it's rich history.
1. The Pavilion
The new Pavilion adjacent to the Long Room is the highlight of the updated experience. Using state-of-the-art light and sound installations, the Pavilion allows visitors to delve into the fascinating history of the Book of Kells.
Step into an atmospheric, immersive environment where stunning projections bring the book’s story to life.
Explore how the book was created, from its origins in Iona to its journey to Trinity College.
Discover the painstaking artistry involved in producing the vivid illuminations, lettering, and symbols.
This modern addition creates an exciting experience for visitors of all ages and adds a new twist to the classic Book of Kells tour.
2. The Book of Kells
Of course, the star of this experience remains the Book of Kells itself. Visitors will have the chance to view this historic manuscript up close, displayed carefully under protective conditions. The intricate details of its Celtic-inspired illustrations and vibrant colours are truly incredible.
3. The Long Room: A Literary Treasure Trove
After viewing the Book of Kells, visitors can step into the incredible Long Room, Trinity College's Old Library. This 65-meter hall, often called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, houses thousands of antique books on towering wooden shelves.
However, due to ongoing restoration work, there are some important updates:
Many of the library’s historic books have been removed and stored in a secure vault to protect them during renovations.
To fill the void, a unique art installation has been added to the centre of the Long Room, creating a beautiful visual centrepiece for visitors to enjoy.
Important Note: The Long Room is set to close in 2024 for 3 years for extensive restoration, so this is your last chance to visit before it temporarily shuts its doors.
Need To Know...
The Long Room is currently under a major restoration so many of the books have been taken from the shelves and stored in a vault. With this in mind they have added an incredible art installation right in the middle of the room which is sure to fill the void of all of the missing books. The Long Room will close to the public in 2024 for 3 years.
If you are hoping to grab a picture in the Long Room and avoid the mass crowds I would advise booking in for the very first timeslot during the weekday. I went on a Saturday at 9:30 and it was of course very busy so instead of looking downstairs where the Book of Kells is kept I instead headed straight upstairs to the Long Room where there was absolutely no one!!
Tickets start from €21.50 for adults and this includes admission to the Book Of Kells, The Long Room and the new Book Of Kells experience. Online booking is highly recommended as tickets can sell out fast.
Conclusion...
The newly updated Book of Kells Tour at Trinity College Dublin is honestly a must do for anyone visiting Dublin. Combining history, technology, and artistry, it brings to life the story of one of the world’s most treasured manuscripts. Whether you’re interested in seeing the Book of Kells, exploring the immersive Pavilion, or checking out the incredible Long Room, this tour has something for everyone to explore.
With the newly added Pavilion it adds an incredible new experience to really delve into the history of The Book Of Kells as well as a the history of the Celtic people. They have added some stunning light installations to really bring to The Book Of Kells to life. One of my favourite parts is the 360 light room where you are almost brought into the book itself.
As this is one of the most popular experiences in Ireland I would advise to book in advance especially during peak season. The experience offers designated time slots to help beat busy times but booking online helps to avoid long lines for tickets.
Rememberer to make sure to visit soon before the Long Room closes for renovations as it will be closed for a few years.
For further information check out The Book Of Kells Experience.
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